Cristie C. Bell

CRISTIE C. BELL January 31, 1964 ~ May 4, 2011 Cristie C. Bell died peacefully at the Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, WA, on May 4, 2011. She was born Jan. 31, 1964 in Helena, MT to Fred and M. Cleone (Anderson) Bell. Cris grew up in Boulder, MT and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1982. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT in 1986. While at Rocky, Cris excelled in both basketball and track and was inducted into Rocky's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. Cris moved to Portland, OR in 1988 where she worked as a computer software engineer. After coaching both basketball and track in the Vancouver School District for a number of years, Cris decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University in April of 2008. Cris began teaching Math and P.E. in The Bridges Program at the Clark County Skills Center in September of 2008. Cris was a patient, caring, and compassionate teacher. She was able to connect with her students on both an academic and personal level. She had a great sense of humor which she brought to her classroom and incorporated that into her teaching style. Cris made math relevant to everyday situations, which made it easier for students to understand. She especially liked working with members of "The Math Haters Club". Outside of the classroom, Cris enjoyed home improvement projects, working to make her yard beautiful and playing with her dogs, Izzi and Harley. She also liked spending time talking and connecting to people wherever she went. Cris will be remembered for her warm smile and gentle, peaceful spirit. Cris is survived by her partner, Pat Storms; parents, Fred and Cleone; brothers, Bruce (Patty) and Scott (Patti); sister, Candy; many nieces and nephews; a great-niece; and two great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Tom; grandparents, Fred and Ida Bell, Alta Pine and Harold Wetzel. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sat., May 21st at St. Philip Neri Parish, 2408 SE 16th Ave., Portland. A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following the Mass. Contributions may be made to The Cris Bell Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o The Clark County Skills Center Foundation, 12200 NE 28th St., Vancouver, WA 98682. Pat would like to thank Dr. Colleen McCormick and the treatment room staff at Northwest Cancer and the nursing staff at the Ray Hickey Hospice House for their care during Cris' long illness. Their kindness and caring for Cris will always be remembered.

Cristie C. Bell

January 31, 1964 - May 4, 2011